I’m about to share my absolute favorite fall comfort food that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples transform ordinary Granny Smiths into tender, cinnamon-spiced delights swimming in a rich caramel sauce—and your slow cooker does all the work.
No standing over a hot stove or constant stirring required. Just imagine spooning these warm, buttery apples over vanilla ice cream or alongside a pork roast. But that’s just the beginning of what makes this copycat recipe so special…
Why You’ll Love these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples
If you’ve ever craved the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples from Cracker Barrel but didn’t want to leave your house, this slow cooker version will become your new best friend.
I’m talking about tender, juicy apples swimming in a buttery, caramel-like sauce that practically melts in your mouth.
What’s not to love? They require minimal effort—just peel, slice, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen? Pure bonus.
These versatile treats work as a breakfast side, dessert topping, or midnight snack.
And unlike restaurant versions, you control the sweetness and texture. Want firmer apples? Simply reduce the cooking time.
What Ingredients are in Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples?
To create these delicious slow cooker Cracker Barrel-style fried apples, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that transform into something truly magical when combined.
- 6-8 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple juice
While Granny Smith apples work perfectly for their tartness and firm texture, you could experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile—just remember that softer apple varieties might cook down more quickly, so you’d want to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How to Make these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples
Step 1: Prepare and Add the Apples
Peel and slice 6-8 large Granny Smith apples, then place them directly into your slow cooker.
I find that slicing them about 1/4 inch thick gives the perfect texture—not too chunky, not too thin.
Step 2: Create the Sweet Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, mixing thoroughly to distribute all those warm spices evenly.
This magical mixture is what gives these apples their signature Cracker Barrel flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle Mixture Over Apples
Evenly sprinkle your sugar and spice mixture over the apples in the slow cooker, making certain to coat as many slices as possible.
Don’t worry if it seems like they’re not all covered—the cooking process will help distribute everything.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them across the top of your spiced apples.
Then pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of apple juice, which will provide moisture and prevent burning.
Step 5: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat for 3-4 hours.
This slow, gentle cooking method allows the apples to become tender while still maintaining some structure—nobody wants apple mush!
Using a programmable slow cooker would give you perfect control over timing and temperature for this delicate apple recipe.
Step 6: Stir Occasionally
During the cooking process, gently stir the apple mixture every hour or so to guarantee even cooking and coating.
This helps all those wonderful flavors meld together perfectly, and you’ll notice the apples starting to take on that beautiful caramelized look.
Step 7: Test for Doneness
After about 3 hours, test an apple slice for tenderness—it should be soft but still hold its shape.
If you prefer firmer apples, check at the 2.5-hour mark; for softer apples, you might let them go the full 4 hours.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once your apples have reached the perfect tenderness, serve them warm as either a delightful side dish alongside savory foods or as a dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
They’ll transport you straight to Cracker Barrel with that first heavenly bite!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples
These sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples are incredibly versatile and can transform any meal into something special.
For breakfast, try serving them alongside buttermilk pancakes or French toast—the sweet apple syrup is perfect for drizzling over both. They also make a delightful side dish with savory ham or pork chops, where the sweet-tart flavor creates a wonderful contrast to the meat.
When serving as a dessert, nothing beats topping these warm apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
For a quick snack, spoon them over plain Greek yogurt and sprinkle with granola for a delicious parfait. You could even serve them as a topping for pound cake or cheesecake when you need to elevate a simple dessert into something restaurant-worthy without much effort.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples Substitutions and Variations
- Liquid options: No apple juice? Use orange juice, apple cider, or even a splash of bourbon for adult versions.
- Texture boost: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish ideas: A drizzle of caramel sauce, crushed graham crackers, or a sprinkle of granola takes these apples to the next level.
Leftovers and Storage for these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples
These delicious apples actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s how to keep them at their best:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For freezer storage, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of apple juice if they seem dry.
- Prevent sogginess by storing the apples separate from any toppings like ice cream or granola.
The natural pectin in Granny Smith apples helps these maintain their shape even after refrigeration, though they’ll soften slightly more with each reheating.
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker apples capture the essence of comfort food with minimal effort—tender Granny Smith slices bathed in a buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce that rivals any restaurant version.
The magic happens when those simple ingredients transform during their slow simmer, creating that signature sweet-tart balance.
Perfect for holiday gatherings when oven space is precious, or Sunday family dinners when you’d rather spend time with loved ones than hovering over the stove.
The versatility of these apples makes them equally at home alongside a savory pork roast or crowning a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a delightful autumn dessert variation, consider using these slow-cooked apples as a filling in caramel apple cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting.
In a world of complicated recipes, sometimes the simplest dishes bring the most comfort to our tables.